Ali was asleep when James came home. She tried to stay awake and wait up for him to get the whole Kelly story, but her eyes gradually closed and she drifted off to sleep. She thought she heard someone come into the room, but she really only woke up when James got into bed next to her.

“Babe” he whispered. “I’m home.”

She opened her groggy eyes and smiled. “Hi.” He was naked, from what she could tell. It was dark in the room and her eyes hadn’t adjusted. She saw the barer of his two arms reach around her and hug her close to his warm skin.

“Not mad about earlier, are you?” James looked slightly worried.

Ali shook her head. “No. I liked it.” She sighed into his chest. “You have an interesting way of handling things.”

“Whatever gets results.” James smiled and moved a few stray pieces of hair from her face. Cupping her face softly, he forced her to look up at him. “Thank you, by the way.”

His eyes searched her gaze, and Ali was left wondering why he was thanking her. He must have sensed her question just from looking at her.

“For being you” he answered, even though a question wasn’t posed. “You really do make me feel like a superstar.”

“Aw, James…” Ali felt him pull her mouth to his, succumbing to his needful kiss. It was painfully slow, lingering long enough to wake other parts of Ali’s body up from slumber. When their lips parted, James trailed his finger down to the diamond Ali was still wearing. He loved that she rarely took it off.

“You made me feel like a superstar, too” Ali whispered. “When you brought me out onto the very ice you were on tonight.”

He smiled at her, still proud that he’d pulled it off. “Yeah? That’s good. I want you to feel good….always.”

“I do.”

“Always?”

“Always.” Ali tapped the tip of his nose with her finger. “Especially when you tell off slutty bar tenders with me on speaker phone.” When James laughed at that, she thought he sounded truly happy.

“The bitch said I was fucking her, so I had to.”

“She was?” She shook her head. “Bitches love you, James.”

“Ahhh, I think maybe they used to.” He shrugged a shoulder. “Not so much anymore, though.” He tapped her nose in a similar way she’d done to him. “By the way, you have a cute nose.”

Ali smiled. “So do you.”

“You have a cute mouth.”

“So do you.”

James looked down at her cleavage, which was slightly visible beneath the comforter. “You have cute boobs.”

“So do—“ Ali frowned. “Oh.”

“Ha haaaa, gotchyaaaa.” James pulled her in so that she was nearly lying on top of him. He wanted to feel her weight, to feel her hair spill over him, and to know she was his and only his.

“Rebecca’s right, you are a huge dork” Ali said, quietly giggling at him.

“Don’t listen to her, she’s been brainwashed.”

“Brianwashed!?”

“By Mike.”

Ali rolled her eyes. “Just shut up and kiss me, please?”

James directed her mouth to his and took control of it as soon as their lips met. She felt his hips grind subtly against hers.

“Hey” he said, voice barely at a whisper.

“Hmm?”

“Can we fuck?”

Ali snorted, and James sighed.

“Again? With the snorting?”

“I can’t help it sometimes!”

“You really need to!” James was laughing as softly as he could.

“Why do you always want to fuck when people are around?” Ali asked, feeling James’ hands slide under the covers down to the curve of her ass. The movement alone turned her on.

He looked at her with a half-smile. “Why not?” His lips locked onto hers again, and Ali felt his hands grabbing at her soft flesh. James felt Ali’s hands slide into his hair.

“Good enough reason, I suppose.”

“So…?”

Ali looked at him. “So what are you waiting for?”

A second later, James pulled her panties to the side and slid himself deep within her crevice, causing her to gasp at the suddenness of which he moved.

“Shhhh…” He kissed her, groaning into her mouth. “I’ll make it quick.”

“Please don’t” Ali said breathily.

James watched as her eyes closed. He could see her feeling through his slow grind inside her, knowing it was probably a little sudden but his need was deeper than she realized. Her body was tight around him, and as he moved a little faster, Ali bit her lip.

“…James…”

“Hmm?” He smiled up at her, his arms keeping her chest tight against his as she tried to sit up on him. “Ah, ah…just enjoy…I’ll do the work.”

Ali leaned her face down next to his, breathing harder with every long stroke he delivered. Her pussy answered by clamping onto his cock, making the fit feel even tighter. One of James’ arms was wrapped tightly around her back, but the other slid up to the back of her neck, holding her firm against him.

James’ breath was becoming raspy now. He pushed into Ali as deep as he could on the next thrust, which made her whimper hotly against his neck. “Quiet, baby…”

“…Can’t…” She moaned again. “…help it…”

James guided Ali’s hips with his hands, which were clenched onto her ass, moving her over him as he fucked her in a steady, even rhythm. The fabric of her panties rubbed against his slick cock as he withdrew and slid back in again, further enhancing the sensation.

Ali made a noise somewhere between and moan and a sigh, and James brought a hand up to her mouth. “You moan so much” he teased. He watched her eyes light up and he felt her mouth smile beneath his hand as he cupped it over her.

“What was that?” he asked. He thrust his hips up and delivered another deep thrust. On cue, Ali moaned into his hand once more. “Promise to be quiet?”

She nodded, eyes going shut again as he pumped her deep. James let go of Ali’s mouth and heard her gasp. She lowered her mouth to his neck and bit down, causing James to moan this time. Beneath the comforter, he lifted her ass and slammed her back down on him, squeezing at the back of her neck to keep her from rising off him.

“Ahhhh……fuck James…”

Ali was doing her best to keep control of the volume of her voice, but James’ dick was working her so well, she was losing control of just about everything. In her pinned position, her clit was getting rubbed by both her panties and by James’ hard body. And now he was holding her totally still and firm with both arms. James’ hands had moved from her ass to wrap completely around her back, holding her in a bear hug with only his hips moving now, delivering quick thrusts. Ali tried to not whimper or cry out, but it was so hard….so, so, so hard. She buried her mouth in James’ thick hair, feeling his mouth lock on to the flesh of the nape of her neck.

James let out a low growl, feeling himself nearing the finish line. He wanted to make this last all night, but neither he nor Ali had the luxury of going as hard or as loud as they wanted. Rebecca was down the hall, and James didn’t want to scar her for life by hearing him have sex. So when he finally felt he couldn’t last any longer, he let himself explode. He finished with a hard thrust, sending his hot cum as deeply into Ali as her body allowed. As he emptied himself, he realized Ali was literally clasping onto his head, hands dug deep into the length of his hair. For some reason, it made him laugh.

Ali looked down at James, who’d let his head loll back so their eyes could meet.

“You….you are funny….” James was out of breath, still buried inside her. “And hot…and smart…and amazing….”

Ali kissed his forehead, which was slightly damp. “You….are my superstar….” she said, in between her labored breathing.

It wasn’t just a post-orgasm moment for James, but he felt really close to Ali then in that instant. He lifted her face and made sure her big brown eyes were focused on him and him alone.

“Always?”

Ali nodded. “Always.”

* * *

Five games on the road…the last one in Denver, Colorado. That was the schedule James was staring down the barrel of, and it was that final game that concerned him the most. Currently, he was in his bedroom waiting for his sister to finish getting ready. He was taking her out to a late lunch, and then they’d go up the Duquesne Incline and check out the views. It was an afternoon Becca had planned, so James would do whatever she wanted, and gladly so.

While he waited, he sat on the floor with his back pressed against the footboard of the bed. He slowly wound the ring he’d bought Ali around the tip of his index finger, staring at the stone.

What am I doing.

The white band shimmered and the diamond sparkled, as if they were in competition with one another.

Round and round he twirled it.

Do I want this?

Yes, of course I do.

….does she?

Of course she does.

James held the ring still, trying to envision it on Ali’s finger.

Your whole life will change.

And you’re only 26.

You can have anyone you want, for as long as you want them.

He leaned his head back against the dark cherry wood of the footboard and sighed.

I don’t even want that life anymore……..

…..or do I?

James considered it. Even just for a second, he tried to think back to the fun he’d had with other chicks, right there on the very bed he was leaning against. Sometimes it was in their places, but rarely. He never wanted to be the one to leave; they were always the ones who needed to leave.

Round and round the ring twirled over his index finger, his eyes staring at the stone but not really seeing it.

None of them ever loved me. They loved my profession.

He shrugged subconsciously.

Ali loves it too, but not like that.

She’s had the worst adjustment in this whole deal, and she hasn’t enjoyed a lot of it.

James picked up his phone, which had been sitting next to one of his outstretched legs. He scrolled through his contact list until he came to Jeff & Wendy. He halted.

If I call them, it’s final.

…unless she says no.

But she won’t say no.

He looked over at the ring again. He realized there was a chance Ali would say no, and for many reasons he wouldn’t blame her for: their relationship had moved fairly quickly, he played hockey and would be gone a lot…

…and then there are the times I’ve already fucked up when I was gone…

There was a soft knock on his door, then Rebecca peeked in. “You busy?”

“No, come in.” James shut his phone off and set it on the floor. His sister sat next to him, her long legs also stretched out in front of her.

She looked over at the ring in James’ hand. “You’re still nervous.”

James nodded. “Yep.”

“But why?” She searched his troubled face, though he wouldn’t look at her. “I thought this was a go? Didn’t you buy the tickets?”

“I did.” He stared at the ring as he twirled it around. “Just have to call her parents.”

Rebecca sat silently, watching her brother spin the ring around his index finger. “Are you scared to talk to them?”

James shook his head ‘no’.

“What are they like?” Rebecca asked.

“Oh they’re cool as hell.” James laughed and leaned his head back against the bed again. “Her mom is something else, really. A spitting image, only older, ya know? And her dad’s a pretty laid back, easy-going type of guy. I see where Ali gets her serious side though, and I’m pretty sure it comes from him.”

Rebecca listened, trying to envision Ali’s parents. It sounded to her like James really liked them, which made her even more confused.

“So why don’t you just call them? I’ll sit here with you.”

“It’s alright.” James looked down at the ring again, becoming quiet.

He began to spin it around his finger again. When Rebecca couldn’t take it anymore, she put her hand over James’, forcing him to stop. In doing so, he looked up at her.

“I’ve always thought you were super brave, James” she said, squeezing his hand. “Like…my whole life; even now. I couldn’t do what you’re doing. I can’t even keep a regular relationship. Obviously.”

“Bec…”

She shook her head. “I watched you and our brothers grow up and do these huge things with your lives, and get beat up and bruised and knocked around, and I was always so freaked out by it all. But all of you were so tough. And YOU…” She met James’ gaze and smiled. “You were always the bravest. To me, anyway.”

James nodded, looking down. “Thank you.”

“You can do this, Jimmy.”

He looked up again and gave her a half-smile. “What if she—“

“—No. Not even a question.” Rebecca reached over and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tight.

James closed his eyes, thankful beyond words to have his sister there with him. Whatever nervousness he had seemed to disappear, even if it was only temporary.

They parted, and James kissed her cheek. “I love you, Bec.”

“Whatever, just do it, okay?” She smiled. “And I better be the first person you call afterwards.”

* * *

The next morning, after James and the team did their morning skate, he went to the weight room in search of a little extra pain. Sweat from practice that still stuck to his face was paired with a red groove that was worked into his forehead from his helmet. Both of these were joined by newer beads of sweat as he lay flat on a bench, arms lifted into a shoulder press. With every forced exhale, he felt his chest and arms burning, but he needed it. He wanted to feel every muscle fiber strain to lift the weight.

James knew he got like this when he felt stressed, and normally it helped to do what he was doing. If he had pain to focus on, his brain couldn’t think about anything else. It was a good feeling. Today though, he wasn’t so sure. He gritted his teeth through the last three presses, pushing the final one out with a grunt.

“Whoa, easy partner!”

James lifted the bar onto the curved handles and sat up rather slowly. “Hey Duper.” He stretched his arms behind his back, feeling the pain that he was craving.

“Don’t go too hard or you’ll never be able to lift your stick tonight.” He was standing in front of James, hands crossed over his chest. James normally had some quip fired back at him by now, so he knew something was up. “You alright?”

“Fine.” He stood up and grabbed his water bottle. “How are you?”

Dupuis let his head fall to one side. “Really?”

James walked past him while shooting water into his mouth. He sat down next on another flat workout bench, two dumbbells already propped up on the floor. The two men stared at one another. James really didn’t feel like talking, so he just lay down on the bench after grabbing the dumbbells.

Dupuis moseyed over and watched James as he began shoulder flies. “So let me guess” he said, watching him. “You’re either pissed off....”

“Nope” James exhaled, bringing the weights over him.

“…Or your frustrated by practice….”

“Nope.”

“…Or Ali’s on her period…”

James laughed through the movement. “Nope.”

Dupuis was happy he got a chuckle. “So then what is it?”

Do I even tell him? He squeezed out one more shoulder fly, then let the dumbbells drop to the floor. Sitting up, he used the sleeve of his shirt to wipe his forehead. Dupuis just stood there looking at him in that way Dupuis tended to look when he was analyzing someone.

“Can I trust you?” he asked him.

“You know you can.”

“No, I mean…I really need to be able to trust you here, Duper.”

He could see that now. “You got it man.”

“I don’t know what to do about something that’s been on my mind” James began. The minute he said it, he felt ridiculous about how he phrased it. He looked up and met the calm stare of Dupuis.

“As in….?”

“As in…” James felt nervous, even now. “…As in asking Ali to marry me.”

There was a silent pause.

“You’re kidding, right?” Dupuis asked, a stunned look on his face.

James shook his head and reached for his water bottle. Dupuis lowered his head as he tried to process what he’d just told him.

“Well I certainly wasn’t expecting that…” he replied. “But damn. Sounds like little brother’s all grown up.”

“Not yet.” James stood. “Haven’t done it yet, that’s the problem.”

Dupuis smiled. “And why is this a problem again?”

“Because I’m fucking James Neal, that’s why.”

“I thought Ali was fucking James Neal?”

He stared at him, and Dupuis shrugged, a smile on his face. “A logical question.”

“Ass.”

Dupuis got another grin out of James, so he slapped a hand onto his sweaty shoulder in as brotherly a manner as he could. “It’s a big deal, I get it. Probably even bigger for you.”

James shot him a look.

“But it’s been pretty obvious to the rest of us how into her you are” Dupuis continued. “It’s also been pretty obvious how you’ve changed because of her.”

“But that’s what I’m saying, Dupes. I’ve changed.” He shook his head. “Aren’t I a little young?”

“Who’s really keeping score?”

James didn’t answer.

“So what you’re getting at here is that you want to go back to fucking random chicks?” Dupuis asked him. The point-blank question got James to look at him again.

“What?? No!”

“Then what the hell are you having second thoughts for?”

“I’m not having—“

“—Yes you are.”

James sighed. “I knew I shouldn’t have told anyone.”

“It was obvious anyways” Dupuis said. “You left Phoenix early to make it back to be with your girl, Neal. That’s a pretty good sign.”

No reply.

“And what does being ‘James Neal’ have anything to do with this?” Dupuis asked, pushing him. “Help me understand. If it’s not because you want to fuck random chicks anymore, then what does that even mean?”

James lay back down on the bench and grabbed the dumbbells. “Forget I said anything.”

“I’m just trying to help.”

“I know.”

Dupuis took a seat on an adjacent weight bench, watching his teammate work his way through another set of moves. He waited patiently until he was ready to talk.

Finally, James sat up, dumbbells in both hands and resting on his knees. “What if she says no?”

“Why would she?”

“My job.”

Dupuis waited.

“I fucked up in the past” James added. “What if she doesn’t want a life of wondering if I’m out getting shitfaced and screwing girls?”

“You’re past that, though” he said. “Just the other night, you let a bartender have it in public.”

James smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I did do that….”

“Ali won’t say no.”

“But what if I don’t want to ask her?” James said, finally admitting what he was afraid to hear himself say. “What if I feel like I’ve rushed this entire thing?”

“Did you buy the ring yet?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow.” Dupuis nodded. “Nice job.”

“Thanks.”

“How big?”

“4 carats.”

“Jesus, Neal!”

He grinned. “I know. I just hope she likes it.”

“So you are asking her?” Dupuis said, smirking. “Make up your mind, man.”

“I will. I still have time…..kind of.” James thought about the plane tickets he already bought and sighed. If he didn’t use them after all, he’d only be out a couple hundred bucks. He could swallow that if it meant he was buying himself more time.

“Thanks for listening” James told him. “Between us, okay?”

“Scout’s honor.” Dupuis held up three fingers and grinned.

* * *

Later that evening, after a final meal with her brother, Rebecca’s time to head home had come. It was a game night for James, but one thing needed done first, and that was to bring her to the airport. Ali had been working since that morning, so she left her shift early and hustled over to the main terminal to meet up with Becca and James. She kept her uniform on, so the ensemble of blazer, blouse, skirt, and heels surprised Rebecca when she first spotted her.

“Oh my God, you look so professional!”

Ali laughed. “I know, it’s horrible, isn’t it?” She looked over at James, who had a white ball hat pulled low over his eyes, trying to keep his face from being recognized. “You can’t hide that handsome face from me, babe.”

“Good. Wasn’t trying to.” He winked at her.

The three of them stood off to the side in a quieter corner, with Rebecca gazing at the security line, which was getting longer by the minute. Ali knew how she must feel, and James hated seeing it written all over her face.

“You’ll be back, Sis.”

“I know, I just…” She exhaled in frustration. “Ugh, I wish I could just stay here with you guys forever.”

“We do too, but you’d get sick of us” Ali said with a smile. “And FAST.”

“Well, maybe him, but not you.” Becca looked over and James made a face at her.

“Understandable.” Ali glanced over and saw James make a face at her as well.

Rebecca sighed sadly. “I can’t really thank you enough, Ali. Especially for your amazing idea of a breakup party.”

“I’m glad you liked it…but I’m even happier that it did some good, too.”

James watched his sister and girlfriend hug. It was a long hug, and he thought he saw tears fill Rebecca’s eyes. His heart went out to her, and if he was truly honest with himself, he wished she could stay longer, too.

“Keep in touch, okay?” Ali said. “You have my number now.”

“I do! And I will.” Rebecca turned to James and gave him a little smile. “I hate this part.“

“I know.” James brought her in for a hug, his arms holding her tightly. Neither made a move to break the hug with one another. As a result, James bent his head so his mouth was near Rebecca’s ear. “Thank you for everything.”

“Remember - just do it” she whispered back.

Ali didn’t hear what they said, but she smiled nonetheless. James really was close with all his siblings, but the bond he shared with his sister was endearing. Now that they’d had a week to get to know one another more, Ali felt her own special bond with Rebecca, which helped her to feel even more accepted into the Neal family. Plus, now she had someone to confide in the next time James pissed her off. The thought made her almost giggle.

James handed Rebecca her carryon bag, which he’d had slung over his shoulder. “Guess it’s now or never.”

Rebecca’s face fell miserably. “I know.” She looked at Ali and grabbed for her hand. “Call me sometime?”

Ali gave it a squeeze. “Ditto.”

She turned and headed for the growing security line, boarding pass and passport in hand. With a final wave, James and Ali left her and walked back to the parking lot together. Ali took James’ hand as they went through the automatic glass doors, stepping out into the cold January air. Their hands were warm though, and they both looked at one another and smiled.

“I should say thank you as well” James told her.

Ali’s eyes studied the smile on his face. “And why is that?”

“You helped Becca more than I did.”

“Nonsense! You’re her brother. She came for you.”

“But she doesn’t have any girls at home besides Mom” James replied. “So I really think the time you spent with her did her wonders. More than I could have done alone.”

With a shrug, Ali just smiled. “Maybe that’s why you and I make such a good team.”

When she looked up at him, her eyes seemed to dance in the afternoon sunlight. James cursed himself for even having a single doubt in his mind about asking her to marry him. It wasn’t even that, it was the damn idea of marriage that was holding him up.

“Don’t you think?” she asked. “I know you’re already part of a team, buuuuttt…”

James looked at her and nodded. “You and I have less penalties, if I do say so myself.”

“See? An amazing team with hardly any fouls…” She paused. “Well….except for one.”

He saw a devious look in the smile Ali gave him. “What one?”

“High sticking.” She moved her eyes down to his crotch and grinned.

James let out a laugh. “Okay, you got me there.”

“2 minutes in the Sin Bin, bitch!” Ali slapped his ass, but her hand hit his wallet that was in his back pocket. “Ouch...”

He was laughing, though he really mean want to…at least not when she slammed her hand into his wallet. “Ahhhh, but I do love you, Diserelli.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, thinking that if their marriage would be as comfortable as their relationship was, he was home free.

* * *

The whole time James was on the ice, Ali and Rebecca were texting one another. She had initially texted both James and her to say she arrived back in Toronto safe and sound, but as soon as she was home and turned the game on, she decided to text Ali again. Once their conversation got rolling, the two didn’t stop. To Becca, it was if she never left.

For Ali, it was additional company in a house that felt extra lonely. With Rebecca gone and James on the television, the living room seemed open and hollow. She kept only one lamp on, sitting in the dim glow of the television under her blanket. There was nothing wrong with her normal “game night routine”, but it sure felt lonelier than usual.

In between plays and during commercials, her conversation with Becca continued, and Ali found herself laughing at some of her comments about James and the game. She secretly wished she could talk to Rebecca every time there was a game now, because this added a whole new dimension of fun to her watching it.

Why does he look like such a weirdo when he stares at the puck? Ever notice this?

Ali giggled again, chewing her bottom lip as she wrote back to her.

I think he’s kinda cute when he’s all intense and whatnot.

Becca’s response was what Ali figured she’d get from her:

Ew, I knew you would say that. ;-)

On the screen, the cameras zoomed in on Sid and Malkin taking briefing with one another as their group prepared for a power play. As Ali was about to write back to Becca, her phone started to ring, interrupting the text message screen she’d been on. A picture of her parents smiling together was now visible.

“Hello?”

“Hi hunny! I don’t mean to disturb you during the game or anything, but do you have a second?”

Ali clicked the remote to silence the television. “Sure, what’s up, Mom?”

“Well firstly – James is looking mighty good tonight.”

She laughed. “Let’s be honest, he looks good every night.”

“That’s my girl!”

With a smile, Ali waved her hand. “But carry on…”

“Okay, but I was wondering – what are you doing next Friday?”

She tried to think that far out, but it was a whole week away. She couldn’t remember if she had to work or not, but if she did, that’s all the plans she would have since James would be on the road.

“Can you hang on while I check my work schedule?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Ali brought her mom along on the phone as she went out to the kitchen. Her schedule hung next to James’ schedule on the refrigerator, which she scanned along the following week’s row of shifts.

“Looks like I’m off next Friday” Ali replied. “Why?”

“Your father and I were just wondering.”

Ali smirked. “You want me to come visit you guys again, don’t you?” She heard her mother laugh.

“Is that bad?”

“You could’ve just come out and said so!” Ali teased. Her mom continued to blabber on about something, but her attention was currently directed at James’ schedule. She placed her finger on the list of away games, sliding it down until she found next Friday’s game. He’d be in Colorado that night. The following night, though…he’d be home.

“Wait, Mom….”

Wendy paused. “Yes?”

“I don’t know if I can come home that night.” She frowned, trying to think of a way to put it so her mom wasn’t hurt. “I mean…I want to, I know I haven’t been home in forever…but James is coming home that next day.”

“Oh.”

Ali waited for some response, hoping she wasn’t mad.

“Well where’s he coming from this time?”

“Denver, it looks like.”

“Oh, so this is that week long stretch he’ll be gone?”

Ali didn’t remember telling her mom or dad anything about James being gone that long. Then again, the past week had been a blur with Rebecca visiting, so likely she just forgot.

“Yeah, this is that trip. It’ll actually be a ten day stretch.”

“Oh….well then, that makes sense.”

She doesn’t sound too dejected. That’s good. “Maybe we can make plans after? Or! Maybe we can schedule so James can come visit too?! What do you think of that?” Ali felt a little more excited at the thought.

“That would be nice, actually! Yes, bring that up to him sometime. No need to rush, though. We can wait.”

“So what, did you and dad just come up with this idea or has it been brewing a while?” Ali asked, walking back into the living room. On the screen, some sort of play had caused the goal post to come dislodged from the ice, so they were in a timeout.

“Ohhh, you know how our minds are always chugging.”

Vague answer. “Okaaayyy, well….Keep it in mind then for when I ask James the next break he has. He should have one after this big stretch anyways.”

“Sounds good” Wendy said. “Sorry to pull you away from your man.”

“No worries. Love you, Mom!”

“Bye hun.”

They hung up. Immediately, four text messages arrived in succession from Rebecca. The fourth one was wondering where she disappeared to.

Sorry, my mom called, randomly questioning what I’m doing next week. I don’t know how they do it, but they always manage to dream up reasons to call me. And during a GAME!

When Ali sent the text, she chewed on the nail of her thumb. Her eyes were on the tv, but her mind was elsewhere. It never really occurred to her how long James would be gone. He’d been gone for other long stretches, but never ten days in a row. She’d miss him for sure, but that was a damn long time to be on the road.

Or alone at home, with just a telephone and a television with which to see my boyfriend.

She sighed.

Ah well, I’ve had him to myself for a long time since Christmas. I shouldn’t be too greedy.

Still, she felt a little lonelier, even moreso than before. It was an odd feeling to have, especially since James was on the screen that very moment. Her eyes followed his body as he darted down the ice. He was there, but he wasn’t. It was odd dating a hockey player.

Ten days on the road.

The number 18, white on black, bounced a little over his padding as James’ quick footsteps brought him behind the net, puck shooting along the boards.

Ten days of this. Sitting here. Watching him somewhere else.

A whistle blew and the play was halted. The cameras panned across Malkin and then to James, whose blue eyes were bright, even behind his tinted visor.

Ali sighed.

Ten days.

* * *